Huggo's, Big Island

With its central location in Kailua-Kona, Huggo's is a well-known and popular dining spot. Located on the oceanfront, the atmosphere is casual yet elegant. With an endless horizon to gaze out upon, diners can enjoy the sight of the surf foaming and swirling just a few feet below them at high tide. Indeed, it is commonplace to hear loud applause from patrons at Huggo's when the anglers who fish virtually every night nearby make a catch. Perhaps, with its ocean location, it is not surprising that fish is a highlight on the menu at Huggo's, although the restaurant is also renowned for its steaks, salad bar and other culinary creations.

Opened since 1969, Huggo's was initially a casual meeting place where fishermen would gather and swap stories. And even though fish does feature heavily on the menu, the restaurant is constantly updating the menu to make the most of local produce, whether that is harvested from the land, sea or shore. While the Teriyaki Steak and Barbecued Beef Ribs never cease to be popular, new menu items are continually appearing. The fish offered on the menu is all recently caught and is prepared using Pacific Rim style recipes. Other menu favorites at Huggo's include the Kona Poke appetizer, the Maui Onion Crusted Ahi and the Crab-Crusted Ono. There are also a number of innovatively-prepared chicken dishes and an extensive array of salads, all obtained from the bountiful supply provided by the local land. With regards the dessert menu, one popular offering is the Hualalai Ice Cream Pie while the Ginger Creme Brulee is fast becoming a favorite. This is particularly good when it is served with fully French-pressed Kona Coffee. The extensive wine list features 80 types, 18 of which are available by the glass.

With the aim of providing much more than just a meal, Huggo's has been the recipient of many awards. The restaurant has a separate lounge that overflows onto a dining deck outside. Here, guests can choose from a wide array of tropical drinks such as the Kilauea-a-flaming, which served in a bowl to be shared by any two or four guests if they are courageous enough! Huggo's is open seven days a week from 11.30am until midnight.

A bistro-style diner, Island Lava Java is a favorite coffee house and restaurant on the Big Island. With two locations, one at Waikoloa and one at Kona, the restaurant prides itself on using the highest quality local produce and ingredients. Although its breakfasts have been voted the “Best Breakfast in Kona” by West Hawaii Today readers, Island Lava Java also serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

With a commitment to using the best local ingredients available, the beef used by Island Lava Java is grass-fed and reared on local farms and the goat’s cheese is also organic and locally sourced. The bread is made in-house and the desserts are home-made. The breakfast menu consists of an array of benedicts, omelets, bacon, fish, waffles and pancakes. Lighter breakfasts, such as croissants, bagels and yogurt are also available and there is always a plentiful supply of fresh 100% Kona Coffee on offer. The lunch menu is comprised of a selection of Fresh Fish, Burgers, Pizzas and Salads. The dinner menu is divided into a choice of pupus, salads and entrées. The selection of entrées includes Fresh Fish, Fish Tacos, Burgers, Ribs, Pork Chops and Chicken. The Sunday brunch menu is also extensive, featuring many old breakfast and lunch favorites. With mouth-watering treats like Chocolate Cappuccino Cheesecake and Chocolate Decadence Cake, there are plenty sweet options to round off every meal in the most satisfying way. As well as Kona Coffee, drinks on offer at Island Lava Java include tea, fresh fruit smoothies, shakes, speciality beverages and more.

With a bakery on-site to freshly make the restaurant’s own bread, pastries and pizza dough each day, Island Java Lava is open seven days a week every day of the year. Opening hours are from 6.30am until 9.00pm and a new online ordering service has recently been introduced.